Description
Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts made in the air fryer. With a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, these sprouts are roasted to perfection, making them an irresistible side dish or snack.
Ingredients
For the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or preferred oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for drizzling after cooking
Instructions
Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts. Cut off the tough stem ends, and remove any discolored outer leaves. Then, slice each Brussels sprout in half vertically, from top to bottom. If some of the sprouts are larger, you can cut them into quarters to ensure uniform cooking.
It’s important to make sure the Brussels sprouts are the same size to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. If you have very small Brussels sprouts, you can leave them whole, but halving them will allow for more crispy edges and quicker cooking.
Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the top. Toss the Brussels sprouts to ensure they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. The oil helps the sprouts crisp up in the air fryer, while the seasonings add flavor.
If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can also add extra spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or even a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary. You can customize the seasonings to match your tastes.
While you’re prepping the Brussels sprouts, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and become nice and crispy. Some air fryers don’t require preheating, but if yours does, this step helps ensure the perfect texture.
Once your Brussels sprouts are seasoned, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the Brussels sprouts to cook unevenly. If necessary, cook them in batches to allow enough space for the air to circulate properly around each piece.
If you have a smaller air fryer, consider doing 2-3 batches. The Brussels sprouts should not be stacked on top of one another to ensure maximum crispiness.
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the Brussels sprouts for 12-15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. The Brussels sprouts should be golden brown and slightly charred on the edges when done.
If you prefer your Brussels sprouts extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overcook them as they can burn quickly.
Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer. You can add an optional drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
For a more indulgent treat, sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese while they’re still hot so it melts over them. The cheese adds a savory, salty flavor that complements the crispy Brussels sprouts perfectly.
Serve the Brussels sprouts immediately while they’re warm and crispy. They make a great side dish for any meal, or you can enjoy them on their own as a healthy snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 90-110 kcal
- Fat: 7-8g
- Carbohydrates: 8-10g
- Protein: 3g